Technique for selectively projecting different holograms using a single holographic optical element

ABSTRACT

A holographic sporting/combat optic may be mounted to weapon. The sporting/combat optic includes a holographic optical element that projects a composite reticle image having at least two reticle elements. The first reticle element projects into the optical viewing window in response to light having a first wavelength; whereas, the second reticle element projects into the optical viewing window in response to light having a second wavelength which differs from the first wavelength. By selectively turning on and off different light sources, the reticle elements can be selectively projected into the optical viewing window of the sporting/combat optic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/012,249 filed on Jun. 19, 2018. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to techniques for selectively projectingdifferent holograms using a single holographic optical element.

BACKGROUND

Holographic sporting/combat optic is a non-magnifying weapon sight thatallows the user looking through an optical viewing window to see areticle superimposed at a specific distance in the field of view. Thereticle is a three-dimensional holographic image recorded on aholographic recording medium. The reticle is formed when a light beam isprojected through the holographic recording medium.

Special forces soldiers, at times, use different types of ammunition ona single mission. An example of this would be a standard ammunitionround used for general purpose verse a subsonic round used for stealth(quiet) purpose. A solider may encounter the need to switch betweenthese two types of ammunition on a single mission and usually in a rapidfashion. The two types of ammunition have different ballisticsassociated with them. It is a benefit to the solider to be able torapidly switch their optic between the two different ammunition typesyet maintain their point of impact (zero). This is merely one example ofa scenario that would benefit from projecting different holograms in asporting/combat optic.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a holographic sporting/combatoptic that enables that enable soldiers and other weapon operators toselectively project different holograms for different scenarios, such asdifferent ammunition types.

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In one aspect, a holographic sporting/combat optic is presented for usewith a weapon. A housing for the optic defines an optical viewing windowalong a line of sight axis and is configured to mount to a weapon. Alight source is arranged in the housing and emits a beam of light at aone (first) wavelength. A second light source (or same light source) isarranged in the housing and emits a beam of light at a second wavelengthwhich differs from the first wavelength. A holographic optical elementis disposed in the housing and operates to project a composite reticleimage in the optical viewing window. The composite reticle image iscomprised of at least a first reticle element and a second reticleelement recorded on the holographic optical element, such that the firstreticle element projects into the optical viewing window in response tolight having the first wavelength and the second reticle elementprojects into the optical viewing window in response to light having thesecond wavelength. One or more light guides may be arranged in thehousing. The light guides are configured to receive light from the firstlight source and the second light source and direct the light from thefirst light source and the second light source onto the holographicoptical element.

A controller may be interfaced with the first light source and thesecond light source. The controller operates to selectively activate thefirst light source and the second light source. For example, the firstlight source emits a beam of light while the second light source isturned off and vice versa. Alternatively, both lights sources emit abeam of light. In any case, the light sources may be activated via auser input (e.g., a switch).

In one embodiment, the light guides includes a first dicroic mirrorarranged to receive the light from the first light source and direct thelight from the first light source towards the holographic opticalelement, as well as a second dicroic mirror arranged to receive lightfrom the first dicroic mirror and the second light source and direct thelight towards the holographic optical element.

In some embodiments, the first reticle element is the same color as thesecond reticle element. In other embodiments, the first reticle elementhas a different color than the second reticle element.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a holographic sporting/combat optic mounted on aweapon;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the core components which comprisethe holographic sporting/combat optic;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example embodiment of the holographicsporting/combat optic;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams depicting an example embodiment of a reticleimage produced by the holographic sporting/combat optic; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a technique for generating differentreticles selectively by the holographic sporting/combat optic;

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a holographic sporting/combat optic 10 isshown mounted to a weapon 11. The holographic sporting/combat optic 10allows a user to look through an optical viewing window 8 and projects areticle image into the field of view as seen through the optical viewingwindow. A housing 12 of the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 definesan interior chamber for housing optical components therein. A mountingbase 14 is provided on the bottom of the housing 12 and functions toattach the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 to the weapon 11.Various types of attachment methods may be employed depending upon thetype of weapon. While the weapon is shown as a handgun, it is readilyunderstood that the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 may be suitablefor use with other types of weapons, including a rifle, a bow, etc.

Within the housing 12, the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 includesa light source (e.g., a laser diode 22), a beam changing lens (cylinderor the like) 23 and a carrier 24. The light source 22 is powered by apower source 21, such as a battery, and operates to emit a beam oflight. The beam changing lens 23 receives the beam of light from thelaser diode 22 and transforms the beam of light into a line. A carrier24 is disposed in the optical viewing window and configured to receivethe line of light from the beam changing lens 23. In one embodiment, thecarrier 24 is comprised of a unitary transparent material (e.g., glass).The carrier 24 further defines two opposing planar surfaces throughwhich the light passes. An incoming holographic optical element 25 isdisposed adjacent to one of the opposing planar surfaces of the carrierand operates to collimate light incident thereon. An outgoingholographic optical element 26 is disposed adjacent to the otheropposing planar surface of the carrier 24. In response to light incidentthereon, the outgoing holographic optical element 26 operates to projecta reticle image in the optical viewing window. In this embodiment, theincident light was collimated by the incoming holographic opticalelement 25 and passed through the carrier 24 before reaching theoutgoing holographic optical element 26. In some embodiments, one ormore light guides are arranged in the housing. The one or more lightguides are configured receive light from the beam changing lens 23 andguide the light towards the incoming holographic optical element asfurther described below. In some embodiments, more than one holographicoptical element can be used.

An adjustment mechanism 13 is interfaced between the housing 12 and themounting base 14. The adjustment mechanism 13 enables the user to movethe housing 12 relative to the mounting base 14. More specifically, theadjustment mechanism 13 includes a subassembly for adjusting elevationalangle of the housing and another subassembly for adjusting azimuth angleof the housing. Different types of mechanical or electro-mechanicalmechanisms are known in the art and may be implemented with theholographic weapons sight 10.

FIG. 3 further illustrates an example embodiment of a holographicsporting/combat optic 10 defining a line a sight axis 31 for viewing areticle. To generate the reticle, a laser diode 32 emits a beam of lightin a first direction along an axis that is parallel to the line of sightaxis and towards a beam changing lens 33. The beam changing lens 33(e.g., cylinder lens) receive the beam of light and focuses the beam oflight into a line.

One or more light guides are used to direct the line of light onto theholographic optical elements. In this embodiment, a first light guide 34receives the line of light from the beam changing lens 33 and guides thelight along the same axis. The first light guide 34 includes an angledsurface 41 at an end distal from the beam changing lens 33 whichredirects the light in a second direction upwards at substantiallyninety degrees. The angled surface 41 of the first light guide may becoated with a reflective coating, such as silver. A second light guide35 receives the reflected light from the angled surface of the firstlight guide 34. The second light guide in turn directs the light in athird direction which is opposite to the first direction and towards theholographic optical elements. It is noted that this third direction isparallel with the line of sight axis 31. The first and second lightguides 34, 35 may be comprised of glass or another transparent material.Although different arrangements for directing the light from the diodeto the holographic optical elements are envisioned, this particulararrangement results in a compact package.

A carrier 36 is disposed in the optical viewing window along the line ofsight axis. In this embodiment, the carrier 36 is a cuboid that definestwo opposing planar surfaces which align with the optical viewingwindow. The carrier 36 is preferably comprised of a unitary transparentmaterial, such as glass. By using a unitary carrier 36, the optical pathis exposed and controlled on a lab table. This produces an optical paththat is sealed and whose accuracy will not be jeopardized by theenvironment.

An incoming holographic optical element 37 is disposed adjacent toand/or on the planar surface facing the second light guide 35. Theincoming holographic optical element 37 receives the light from thesecond light guide and collimates the light incident thereon. Similarly,an outgoing holographic optical element 38 is disposed adjacent toand/or on the other opposing planar surface of the carrier. In responseto light incident thereon, the outgoing holographic optical element 38operates to project a reticle image in the optical viewing window.

In the example embodiment, the incoming holographic optical elementand/or the outgoing holographic optical element are implemented using anemulsion. The emulsion preferably has a grain size less than eightnanometers and maintains consistency after exposure. The incomingholographic optical element (HOE) is recorded such to allow for light(the beam) to be collimated at an angle to allow the outgoing HOE to bedisplayed properly to the user. The outgoing HOE contains the imagereticle(s). The grain size is required to have appropriate exposablematerial to allow for multiple images without fading or degradation onthe outgoing HOE. On the incoming HOE, it is required to set the beamangle appropriately. The consistency is required because if the emulsionwere to shrink after being exposed it would cause the angle to changeand thus not display the image correctly. In some instances, theemulsion may be comprised of silver halide although it is readilyunderstood that other types of materials may be used for the emulsion.

Emulsion forming the holographic optical element are typically sealedagainst the surfaces of the carrier 36. For example, the incomingholographic optical element 37 is encased between the carrier 36 and anopposing surface of the second light guide 35; whereas, the outgoingholographic optical element 38 is encased by a glass cover 39. A clearadhesive 40 may be used and interposed between the glass cover 39 andthe outgoing holographic optical element 38, for example adhesivescommercially available from Norland Products. It is to be understoodthat only the relevant optical components are discussed in relation toFIG. 3, but that other components may be incorporated in the holographicsporting/combat optic 10.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, a composite reticle image 40 may beprojected by the outgoing holographic optical element 38 of theholographic sporting/combat optic 10 in either a transmission orreflective hologram. In an example embodiment, the composite reticleimage is comprised of two or more reticle elements. For example, thecomposite reticle image 40 includes a first reticle element 41, a secondreticle element 42, a third reticle element 43 and fourth reticleelement 44. Each reticle element preferably includes multiple markings.For example, the first reticle element 41 may be a center dot surroundedby a circle; whereas, the second reticle element 42, the third reticleelement 43 and fourth reticle element 44 may be two dashes (or dots,chevrons, arrows or other geometric shape) positioned at differentspacing above or below the center dot. More importantly, each of thesefour reticle elements is captured at a different distance from theweapon during different exposures of the holographic recording element.The reticle elements can be recorded by the outgoing holographic opticalelement 38 using holographic image multiplexing. In some embodiments,one or more reticle elements may be positioned above the center dotwhile other reticle elements are positioned below the center dot. Inother embodiments, reticle elements above the center dot are referencepoints for one type of weapon; whereas, reticle elements below thecenter dot are reference points for another type of weapon. It isunderstood that a composite reticle image 40 can include more or lessthan four reticle elements.

More specifically, each reticle element (i.e., layer) is captured atwhatever distance is required to align that layer with a ballisticreference point. For example, if the center reference dot's effectivedistance is 100 meters, the dot's layer would be captured at thatdistance. If the second reference dashes are accurate at 400 meters,those dashes are captured at that distance (and so on). As seen in FIG.4C, the first reticle element 41, the second reticle element 42, thethird reticle element 43 and the fourth reticle element 44 are capturedat 100 meters, 400 meters, 600 meters and 800 meters, respectively.These distances are merely illustrative and may vary in differentembodiments.

When the user observes the composite reticle image directly through theoptic's line of sight, the user sees one reticle image 40, with variousballistic reference points that exist at their individually captureddistances, thereby minimizing or eliminating parallax when aimed attargets at those distances. In other words, different parts of a singlecomposite reticle image 40 are captured in the emulsion at differenttimes, and each time records its particular set of ballistic data at itsown specific distance (relative to the selected ballisticcharacteristics of a chosen weapon platform and type of ammunition).Each reference point captured in space would exhibit parallax as a realobject would at that distance. Subsequently, when the user aligns theballistic reference point with a target at the same or a similardistance, the reference point's location at the target plane wouldsignificantly reduce or eliminate the overall impact of parallax on theuser's accuracy and ability to hit the target.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the holographic sporting/combatoptic 10 may be configured to generate different reticle images usingthe same holographic optical element as seen in FIG. 5. This techniquerelies upon two or more light sources 51, 53 operating at differentwavelengths. For example, a first light source 51 emits a beam of lightat a first wavelength; whereas, a second light source 53 emits a beam oflight at a second wavelength. The two light beams are then combined anddirected towards the holographic optical element 26.

One or more optical waveguides are arranged in the housing. The opticalwaveguides are configured to receive light from the first light source51 and the second light source 53 and direct the light from the firstlight source 51 and the second light source 53 onto the holographicoptical element 26. In one example, a first dicroic mirror 52 isarranged to receive the light from the first light source 51 and directthe light from the first light source 51 through a second dicroic mirror54 towards the holographic optical element 26; whereas, the seconddicroic mirror 54 is arranged to receive light from the first dicroicmirror 52 and the second light source 53 and direct the light towardsthe holographic optical element 26. Other types of optical waveguidesand arrangements for the optical waveguides are contemplated and fallwithin the broader aspects of this disclosure.

A holographic optical element is disposed in the housing of theholographic sporting/combat optic 10 and operates to project a compositereticle image in the optical viewing window. In the example embodiment,a single carrier with holographic optical elements mounted on opposingsides as described above is used in this embodiment. This technique forgenerating different reticle images, however, is not limited to thistype of holographic optical element.

In a simplified example, the composite reticle image recorded on theholographic optical element 26 is comprised of at least a first reticleelement and a second reticle element. The first reticle element projectsinto the optical viewing window in response to light having the firstwavelength and the second reticle element projects into the opticalviewing window in response to light having the second wavelength. Inthis way, different reticle elements can be selectively included oromitted from the composite reticle image by turning on or off lightsources emitting light at different wavelengths.

Reticles are preferably designed to correspond to known ballisticreference points for a particular weapon. In the example embodiment,each reticle element in the composite reticle image corresponds toballistic reference points for the same weapon platform. For a givenweapon platform and ammunition type, a ballistic reference point may bedefined as a distance from the weapon (along the line of sight axis) andan expected deviation (e.g., drop distance) by a projectile fired by theweapon from the line of sight axis at the corresponding distance. It isreadily understood that the placement of the reticle elements compensatefor the corresponding drop distance.

Using the technique above, a single holographic sporting/combat optic 10can be designed to project different reticles for different scenarios.For example, a reticle for a weapon of a first type may be recorded ontothe holographic optical element as well as a reticle for a weapon of asecond type. The reticle for the weapon of a first type is projectedinto the optical viewing window in response to light having the firstwavelength and the reticle for the weapon of the second type isprojected into the optical viewing window in response to light having adifferent wavelength. By turning on and off the respective lightsources, the reticle of interest can be selected. In another example, acomposite reticle image is comprised of two or more reticle elements,where individual reticle elements are captured at different distancesfrom the same weapon and can be selectively projected into the opticalviewing window. In yet another example, one reticle corresponds to onetype of ammunition and another reticle corresponds to a different typeof ammunition but for the same weapon. These examples are merelyillustrative. It is envisioned that this technique may be used toselectively introduce reticle elements that represent other types ofdata.

In some embodiments, the light from the two light sources havewavelengths that are different but close in length such that the colorof the two reticles appear to be the same (e.g., reddish). In otherembodiments, the light from the two light sources have wavelengths thatare further apart from each other such that the color of the tworeticles have different colors (e.g., one is red and the other is blue).

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the holographic sporting/combatoptic 10 may be interfaced with a controller 55. The controller 55selectively turns on and off the light sources to control the reticleelements projected into the composite reticle image. In an exemplaryembodiment, the controller 55 is implemented as a microcontroller. Itshould be understood that the logic for the controller 55 can beimplemented in hardware logic, software logic, or a combination ofhardware and software logic. In this regard, controller 55 can be or caninclude any of a digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor,microcontroller, or other programmable device which are programmed withsoftware implementing the above described methods. It should beunderstood that alternatively the controller is or includes other logicdevices, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), or application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). When it is stated that controller 55 performs a functionor is configured to perform a function, it should be understood thatcontroller 55 is configured to do so with appropriate logic (such as insoftware, logic devices, or a combination thereof).

In an example embodiment, a user input 56 provides the input command tothe controller 55. For example, the user input 56 may be a user actuatedswitch. Depending on the switch position, controller 55 selectivelyoperates the light devices. In one position, the first light source isturned on and the second light source is turned off. In a secondposition, the first light source is off but the second light source isturned on. In a third position, both light sources are off. In this way,the light source are selectively operable in accordance with an inputfrom the user. It is understood that the switch can be used to supportmore than two light devices and different on/off combinations thereof.Moreover, it is envisioned that other types of user inputs, such as atouchscreen, may be used in place of the switch.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A holographic sporting/combat optic suitable foruse with a weapon, comprising: a housing defining an optical viewingwindow along a line of sight axis and configured to mount to a weapon; afirst light source arranged in the housing and operable to emit a beamof light at a first wavelength; a second light source arranged in thehousing and operable to emit a beam of light at a second wavelength,where the first wavelength differs from the second wavelength; aholographic optical element disposed in the housing and operable toproject a composite reticle image in the optical viewing window, wherethe composite reticle image is comprised of at least a first reticleelement and a second reticle element recorded on the holographic opticalelement, such that the first reticle element projects into the opticalviewing window in response to light having the first wavelength and thesecond reticle element projects into the optical viewing window inresponse to light having the second wavelength; and one or more lightguides arranged in the housing, the one or more light guides configuredto receive light from the first light source and the second light sourceand direct the light from the first light source and the second lightsource onto the holographic optical element.
 2. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 1 wherein one or more light guidesincludes a first dicroic mirror arranged to receive the light from thefirst light source and direct the light from the first light sourcetowards the holographic optical element, and a second dicroic mirrorarranged to receive light from the first dicroic mirror and the secondlight source and direct the light towards the holographic opticalelement.
 3. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 2 wherein theone or more light guides includes a collimating lens interposed betweenthe second dicroic mirror and the holographic optical element andcollimates light incident thereon.
 4. The holographic sporting/combatoptic of claim 1 wherein the first reticle element has a color whenprojected into the optical viewing window that differs from the color ofthe second reticle element when projected into the optical viewingwindow.
 5. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 1 furthercomprises a user input interfaced with the first light source and thesecond light source, wherein the first light source and the second lightsource are selectively operable in accordance with an input to the userinput.
 6. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 5 wherein thefirst light source emits a beam of light while the second light sourceis turned off and vice versa.
 7. The holographic sporting/combat opticof claim 5 wherein the first light source emits a beam of light whilethe second light source emits a beam of light.
 8. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 1 wherein the user input is a switchintegrated into the housing.
 9. The holographic sporting/combat optic ofclaim 1 wherein each of the first reticle element and the second reticleelement corresponds to a known ballistic reference point for the weapon.10. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 1 wherein the firstreticle element corresponds to a known ballistic reference point for afirst weapon and the second reticle element corresponds to a knownballistic reference point for a second weapon that differs from thefirst weapon.
 11. A holographic sporting/combat optic suitable for usewith a weapon, comprising: a housing defining an optical viewing windowalong a line of sight axis and configured to mount to a weapon; a firstlight emitting diode arranged in the housing and operable to emit lightat a first wavelength; a second light emitting diode arranged in thehousing and operable to emit light at a second wavelength, where thefirst wavelength differs from the second wavelength; a holographicoptical element disposed in the housing and operable to project acomposite reticle image in the optical viewing window, where thecomposite reticle image is comprised of at least a first reticle elementand a second reticle element, such that the first reticle elementprojects into the optical viewing window in response to light having thefirst wavelength and the second reticle element projects into theoptical viewing window in response to light having the secondwavelength, wherein the first and second reticle elements are recordedon the holographic optical element during different exposures of theholographic optical element; one or more light guides arranged in thehousing, the one or more light guides configured to receive light fromthe first light emitting diode and the second light emitting diode anddirect the light from the first light emitting diode and the secondlight emitting diode onto the holographic optical element; and acontroller interfaced with the first light emitting diode and the secondlight emitting diode, and operates to selectively activate the firstlight emitting diode and the second light emitting diode.
 12. Theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 11 wherein one or more lightguides includes a first dicroic mirror arranged to receive the lightfrom the first light emitting source and direct the light from the firstlight emitting source towards the holographic optical element, and asecond dicroic mirror arranged to receive light from the first dicroicmirror and the second light emitting source and direct the light towardsthe holographic optical element.
 13. The holographic sporting/combatoptic of claim 11 wherein the first reticle element has a color whenprojected into the optical viewing window that differs from the color ofthe second reticle element when projected into the optical viewingwindow.
 14. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 11 furthercomprises a user input interfaced with the controller, wherein the firstlight emitting source and the second light emitting source areselectively activated by the controller in accordance with an input tothe user input.
 15. The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 14wherein the user input is a switch integrated into the housing.
 16. Theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 11 wherein each of the firstreticle element and the second reticle element corresponds to a knownballistic reference point for the weapon.
 17. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 11 wherein the first reticle elementcorresponds to a known ballistic reference point for a first weapon andthe second reticle element corresponds to a known ballistic referencepoint for a second weapon that differs from the first weapon.
 18. Theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 11 wherein the holographicoptical element further includes a carrier disposed in the opticalviewing window and comprised of a unitary transparent material, thecarrier defines two opposing planar surfaces which align with theoptical viewing window and are substantially parallel to each other; anincoming holographic optical element comprised of an emulsion anddisposed on one of the two opposing planar surfaces of the carrier,wherein the incoming holographic optical element receives light from thebeam changing lens and collimates the light; and an outgoing holographicoptical element comprised of an emulsion and disposed on the otheropposing planar surface of the carrier, wherein the outgoing holographicoptical element projects the composite reticle image in the opticalviewing window in response to light incident thereon.
 19. Theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 18 wherein each of the firstreticle element and the second reticle element corresponds to a knownballistic reference point for the weapon.
 20. A weapon having theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 11 mounted thereto.